Savusavu Activities and Attractions
When visiting Fiji’s “other” big island, you’ll more than likely arrive via the airport in Savusavu. Don’t leave the town just yet, however, as there’s plenty to explore inside its boundaries, from a pearl farm to hot springs. If you’re basing yourself at one of the fabulous accommodations in Savusavu, then you’re not too far from waterfall adventures and scuba diving excursions. Plan an epic trip to Vanua Levu’s travel hub with this list of the best things to do in Savusavu.
Plus, for more trip-planning tips, head to The Complete Travel Guide to Vanua Levu.
1. Check Out the Savusavu Hot Springs
While there are several hot springs lining the beach of Savusavu seen steaming at low tide, the most popular hot springs to visit are the ones opposite the Savusavu Hot Springs Hotel. The water, however, is around 100°C (212°F) so, needless to say, bathing directly in the hot springs is not advised… On the other hand, the Savusavu Hot Springs can be experienced by watching the locals using them to cook food. It’s also possible to have a hot bath experience where the hot spring water is poured with cold water into a bath.
Location: Across the road from the Savusavu Hot Springs Hotel, Nakama.
© Priyankara Parana on Wikipedia2. Mingle with the Locals at the Savusavu Market
Not too far from the waterfront in Savusavu town, the Savusavu Market is a must-visit. Browse a huge array of local fruit and vegetables under the cover of the open-air market building and meet the friendly locals. Get inspired on what to buy using the 10 Exotic Fruits in Fiji You Have to Try and pick up some kava (yaqona) here if you plan on visiting a village.
Location: By the bus station, Lesiaceva Road.
© Unsplash3. Wander Around Flora Tropica Gardens
See a gorgeous garden filled with more than 300 species of palms and countless tropical flowers at the Flora Tropica Gardens. A series of stone paths and elevated boardwalks lead through the gorgeous gardens. Guided tours are available Monday to Friday at 10am. See more of the 10 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Vanua Levu.
Location: Daku Road, approximately 5km (3.1 miles) southwest of Savusavu.
© Unsplash4. Join a Pearl Farm Tour with J Hunter Pearls
Learn how fine elegant jewellery is made with J Hunter Pearls. Tour this underwater pearl farm where you’ll see black-lipped oysters from a glass-bottom boat. Learn about how these fascinating sea creatures create their rare pearls with distinctive earthly colours. The end result can be admired at the J Hunter Pearls showroom in town where tours depart.
Location: Lesiaceva Road on the eastern end of town.
© Pixabay5. Head Out on a Scuba Diving Trip
You are spoiled for choice when it comes to scuba diving from Savusavu. Several resorts offer scuba diving for all abilities, open for guests and non-guests, including Koro Sun Resort and Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort. Savusavu is also the base of Liquidstate Freediving should you want to try diving without the bulky scuba gear.
Location: Koro Sun Resort – Hibiscus Highway, approximately 14km (8.7 miles) from Savusavu. Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort – End of Lesiaceva Road, approximately 7km (4.3 miles) from Savusavu. Liquidstate Freediving – Naveria Heights, Savusavu.
© Pixabay6. Hike, Mountain Bike, River Tube and More with Naveria Heights Lodge
Offering one of the most extensive arrays of land activities in Savusavu, Naveria Heights Lodge is not just an accommodation but adventure experts. Join them for one of their guided mountain biking or hiking expeditions around Vanua Levu with trips to suit a range of timeframes and fitness levels. For something a little different and ridiculously fun, try river tubing through an enchanting inland jungle.
Location: Perched on a hill just off Lesiaceva Road.
© Unsplash7. Snap a Photo of the Vuadomo Village Waterfall
One of the popular waterfall experiences on Vanua Levu is the Vuadomo Waterfall. Pick up some kava from the market to gift as a “sevusevu” to the village chief, along with a FJ$10 donation for one of the villagers to take you on a tour to the impressive waterfall. Check out our advice on visiting a Fijian village for more information about presenting a sevusevu.
Location: Vuadomo Village, Cross Island Road, approximately 14km (8.7 miles) from Savusavu.
© MaxPixel8. Swim Up to the Nakawaga Waterfall
Another one on the waterfall bucket list, Nakawaga Waterfall provides a fun swim for strong swimmers. After a short but steep climb through the jungle, you will emerge at this powerful waterfall. Tours to the waterfall can be arranged with a guide from Nakawaga Village or as part of a tour with your resort.
Location: North of Savusavu. The waterfall is hard to find so best to go with a tour.
© Pexels9. Snorkel at Split Rock
Don your snorkelling gear and head to Split Rock. This top snorkelling spot in the whole of Fiji offers amazing underwater sights, such as clownfish, sergeant fish, damsels, clams, grouper, parrotfish and more. For more snorkelling tips, head to The Ultimate Guide to Snorkelling in Fiji.
Location: Off the beach in front of the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, opposite road post No.63 on Lesiaceva Road.
© Captain Cook Cruises10. Eat Out in Savusavu
Finally, complete your outing in Savusavu with a delicious meal. For something local, pop into the Sea View Cafe offering an ever-changing menu of seafood dishes, often with a Fijian or Indo-Fijian flair. Other must-tries are Snowy House & Grace Road Kitchen for its tasty Korean food and dessert cafe just next door and The Captain’s Cafe at Copra Shed Marina.
Location: Check out the location of each recommendation and more in The Guide to the Best Eats & Restaurants on Vanua Levu.
© FijiPocketGuide.comMore Things to Do in Savusavu
